James Monroe Beck, Sr.

James “Jimmy” Monroe Beck Sr. (77), affectionately known as Papoo, passed away surrounded by family on Saturday, August 23rd in Durham, NC.

Papoo was born on April 4th, 1948 to Carlos Monroe Beck and Mildred Nichols Beck. He grew up in East Durham as the youngest of three siblings. He attended Durham High and later went to play football at North Carolina State University. Papoo married his childhood sweetheart, Patricia “Pat” Duke Beck, affectionately known as Nene, on June 29th, 1968. Jimmy served Durham County as a fireman for 27 years.

He is survived by his son Jim Beck (Cissy) of Mebane, NC, his three granddaughters Bailey Beck, Lexi Bryan (Dylan), Riley Beck (Austin Force), and his sister Faye Washington of Creedmoor, NC. He was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Pat Beck, his sister Sybil Beck, and his parents.

Papoo was well known on the local golf courses, especially enjoying a round at Hillandale Golf Course. He was present every football season to proudly support the NC State Wolfpack at Carter-Finley stadium. And he enjoyed solving the world's problems over a cup of coffee at “the store”, meeting up with East Durham friends for a meal at Chick-Fil-A or Kick Back Jacks, and attending every golf game, volleyball match, or night of cheerleading his granddaughters had.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, August 27th at 2 PM at Immanuel Baptist Church with a visitation before at 1 PM. All current and retired Durham County Firefighters as well as Papoo’s close golf buddies will be recognized as honorary pallbearers. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Immanuel Baptist Church.